Ireland beaten 4-0 by Spain at the European Championships

The Irish men's hockey team lost 4-0 to Spain in the final stages of the European Championships in Antwerp as they continue to battle it out for rankings 5-8.

Their final match will be on Sunday against the Czech Republic.

The Irish opened the game with the first penalty corner of the encounter after four minutes, but a mistrap led to a goal mouth scramble, with Eugene Magee finally converting. However after a video referral the goal was overturned for coming off an Irish arm en route to the Spanish net.

Despite dominating early attacking play Spain hit the front with a great display of pace along the back line laying back for Lleonart to shoot home.

They doubled their lead in the 20th minute with a penalty corner conversion from Dabanch.

Ireland continued in their attacking style, but despite three corner chances and playing around in the Spanish circle – they trailed 2-0 at the break.

The Spaniards started the second period strongly and three minutes in they secured a penalty corner and a fine execution of the routine gave Eduard Tubau the chance to drag home for goal number three.

Spain put the game beyond Ireland’s reach with just 17 minutes left as Andres Mir found himself one to one with David Harte in goals but his sweep cleared over the diving keeper.